RV Tips and Preparation
…1-3 months ahead

Vehicle:
• Checked over and tune up done. Brakes and tires checked, correct pressure and replaced if necessary.
•  Carry spare tire and spare tire for RV. “Tire in a can” for emergency repairs.
•  Roll of heater hose and clamps, oils, fuses, electrical tape, duct tape, tools, voltage meter jerry can with gas.
•  Is there a manual for either the vehicle or the RV? Bring it
•  RV Insurance not just vehicle insurance, and have confirmation that you are covered. One tow could pay back the fee.  Don’t find out on the road like we did that we weren’t covered. BCAA is good to deal with and you can order maps and accommodation guide books ahead
RV:
• Check: water tank, black and grey water tanks,
• Electrical connections checked. All running lights and brake lights. Batteries cleaned and tested.
• Propane connections checked and fridge, stove, and furnace.
• Roll out awning, spray metal moving parts with WD40. Roof check for cracking or leaks.
• Tires inflated to proper pressure (listed on side of tire). Inspect for cracks. Replace if tread is down to 1/16”. Check brakes.
• Clean solar panels.
• Extension cord with 15-30 amp adapter plug, TV connection cable
• Pressure reducer connector for water hose. Hose that is long enough for hard to reach hook-ups.
• Pack extra sewer hose, or use a 20’ hose. Check for splits.
• Spray bottle of bleach water or can of spray Clorox to disinfect water hoses. Don’t assume others only use potable water hoses for water.
• Boards for leveling

Medical:
• Get medical check-up before leaving; let your doctor know where you’re going, and get prescriptions renewed.
• Stock up on prescriptions. Keep an empty pill bottle for all the information. Pharmacies in Ontario and Quebec won’t refill out-of-province prescriptions except at hospitals or clinics.
• Pack your medicine cabinet: cold and allergy remedies, vitamins, aloe vera jell for burns (keep it in the fridge), pain killers, contact lens rinse if contact wearer, mosquito repellant, besides carrying a good first-aid kit in the vehicle.
• Confirm that your medical insurance covers you out of province; if not get some.
• Copy of glass’s or contact prescription
• Pet medical: up-to-date shots and papers.

General Packing:
• Stock up as dry good, pet supplies or toiletry sales come along. Ex: toothpaste, hair dye, shampoo, lens rinse
• Put a batch of wine on?
• Copies of RV Times, RV West or RV Lifestyles in a binder for valuable travel and repair tips.
• For list of sani-dumps go to: www.sanidumps.com
• Travel log or journal. You’ll forget the little details when you get home and wish you remembered the name of a place etc.
• Don’t over pack clothes but even if its summer pack cool weather clothes and footwear.
• Battery chargers for cameras and cell phone.

Home Notes and Stuff:
• House and plant sitter. If away more than a couple weeks home insurance may not be valid if home is left untended. Check with insurance company.
• Wills up to date, executor has copy and knows where you’re going. Family has their contact information and written instructions if you should die while away.
• Let credit card companies know you are travelling or for security reasons they may decline charges.
• Who will check the mail or send it on for you?
• Home computer backed up and files stored out of the house.
• If no one is staying in your home, unplug computer and other equipment, shut off hot water heater. Turn down home thermostat low enough it will only come on if it gets cold.
• Photo-copy Passport and all important cards: credit cards, driver’s license, social security, medical, insurance. Keep one copy with you and leave one copy in your safety deposit box or with family.
• Traveling with a lap top, activate WIFI unless you’re using another method of connecting to the internet.

Utility plans changed:
• Cable: ex: Shaw will reduce all aspects of cable except internet for app. $1.98 a month and re-hook up fee when you’re back home
• Home phone: ex: TELUS reduce the bundle to lower charges
• Cell phone: Make sure you have the best long distance plan, most minutes. Install SKYPE (www.skype.com ) in computer for free computer to computer calling or very cheap calls to land lines.
• All utility payments online or automatic bank withdrawal.

Staying in touch:
• Create a blog(www.blogger.com)  or Yahoo( www.yahoo.com)  site to post messages and pictures to. Invite family and friends to sign up so they can keep up with your travels.
• Take address book. Leave rough itinerary with family in case something happens and they know where you are.
• Online address’s and passwords to important web sites or newsletters.